Citroen Saxo (Phase I, 1996) 3-door 1.6i (90 Hp) Automatic


Overall Rating

5.9 / 10
Safety 2.0 / 5
Engine 2.5 / 5
Value 4.0 / 5
Performance 3.0 / 5
Comfort 2.5 / 5
People\'s Opinion N/A / 5
Not Rated

Citroen Saxo:

The Citroën Saxo is a supermini car which was produced by the French manufacturer Citroën from 1996 to 2003. It was sold in Japan as the Citroën Chanson, because Honda had registered the "Saxo" name. The Saxo was a development of the Citroën AX and Peugeot 106, which shared a platform and running gear. It was discontinued in 2003, when it was replaced with the Citroën C2 and Citroën C3 which launched a year earlier. Both models were developed alongside the Peugeot 206....(Read more on Wikipedia)

(Phase I, 1996) 3-door Overview:

Citroen Saxo ((Phase I, 1996) 3-door). With 135 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It has moderate fuel consumption (~9.4 l/100km). Weighing only 905 kg, it’s quite light. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 12.5 s). The top speed reaches 176 km/h. A compact car with a rear door that swings upward to provide access to the cargo area. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.

1.6i (90 Hp) Automatic Verdict:

Rating 3 stars

Performance Verdict

While having more power, the automatic gearbox significantly dulls performance, making it feel less sprightly than the manual 1.4.

Fuel Economy

Fuel consumption is relatively high for its class, again hampered by the older automatic transmission.

Best Use Case: City / Relaxed Driving

Pros and Cons:

Pros:

  • • Compact and agile, excellent for city driving
  • • Affordable to buy and maintain (especially manual petrol/diesel variants)
  • • Good fuel economy on manual petrol and diesel engines
  • • VTS model offers thrilling hot hatch performance
  • • Simple, robust mechanicals

Cons:

  • • Poor Euro NCAP safety rating (2 stars)
  • • Basic interior quality and limited features
  • • Noisy at higher speeds, especially on highways
  • • Automatic transmissions are sluggish and inefficient
  • • Limited rear passenger space and small boot (though expandable)

Specifications:

General:
Brand:Citroen
Model:Saxo
Generation:(Phase I, 1996) 3-door
Modification (Engine):1.6i (90 Hp) Automatic
Start of production:1996
End of production:1999
Powertrain Architecture:Internal Combustion engine
Body type:Hatchback
Seats:5
Doors:3
Engine:
Power:90 Hp @ 5600 rpm.
Power per litre:56.7 Hp/l
Torque:135 Nm @ 3000 rpm.
Engine Model/Code:TU5 JP
Engine displacement:1587
Number of cylinders:4
Engine configuration:Inline
Number of valves per cylinder:2
Fuel injection system:Multi-port manifold injection
Engine aspiration:Naturally aspirated engine
Valvetrain:OHC
Engine oil capacity:3.5 l
Coolant:5.8 l
Engine layout:Front, Transverse
Cylinder Bore:78.5 mm mm
Piston Stroke:82 mm mm
Compression ratio:9.6:1
Performance:
Fuel Type:Petrol (Gasoline)
Fuel consumption (economy) - urban:9.4 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban:5.9 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - combined:7.6 l/100 km
Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h:12.5 sec
Acceleration 0 - 62 mph:12.5 sec
Maximum speed:176 km/h
Weight-to-power ratio:10.1 kg/Hp, 99.4 Hp/tonne
Weight-to-torque ratio:6.7 kg/Nm, 149.2 Nm/tonne
Acceleration 0 - 60 mph:11.9 sec
Space:
Kerb Weight:905
Max. weight:1380
Max. roof load:50 kg
Max load:475
Trunk (boot) space - maximum:953 l
Trunk (boot) space - minimum:280 l
Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%):700 kg
Fuel tank capacity:45 l
Permitted trailer load without brakes:465 kg
Permitted towbar download:50 kg
Size:
Length:3718 mm mm
Width:1595 mm mm
Height:1390 mm mm
Wheelbase:2385 mm mm
Front track:1381 mm
Rear (Back) track:1301 mm
Front overhang:748 mm
Rear overhang:585 mm
Minimum turning circle (turning diameter):10.9 m
Powertrain:
Drivetrain ArchitectureThe Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle.
Drive wheelFront wheel drive
Number of gears3
Transmission typeAutomatic
Front brakesDisc
Rear brakesDrum
Assisting systemsABS (Anti-lock braking system)
Steering typeSteering rack and pinion
Power steeringHydraulic Steering
Tires size165/65 R14
Wheel rims size5.5J x 14
Front suspensionIndependent type McPherson, Transverse stabilizer
Rear suspensionTrailing arm, Torsion

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